Socialist Mayors in a Capitalist America

The success of Muslim candidates in the U.S. local elections has drawn significant attention from the international community. Among them, Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim, socialist, and alleged antisemite, was elected as the mayor of New York City, a city with the second-largest Jewish population in the world after Israel. During the election several of the city’s billionaires reportedly funded the political campaign of his opponent, Andrew Cuomo. President Trump publicly criticized Mamdani and labeled him a communist and even a terrorist. Trump even went as far to mock his eating habits and threatened to withdraw federal funding from New York if Mamdani were to win. Massive social media campaigns were launched against him. Despite facing such intense opposition, Mamdani secured the mayoral position. In November 2024, Zohran received almost no support. By January 2025, several surveys projected his chances of winning at just 1%. However, through a strong grassroots campaign, he defied all odds. Mamdani connected directly with people, travelling on public transport, visiting local neighborhoods, speaking in various community languages, and running effective social media campaigns. Above all, his people-centered manifesto resonated deeply with voters. His key policy proposals included freezing rents for one million people, rent-controlled apartments, subsidizing city buses to make them free for riders, providing free childcare for New Yorkers, and launching a pilot program to establish one city-run grocery store in each borough to test whether removing the profit motive could lower grocery costs. Mamdani’s firm stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict also drew significant global attention. When asked whether he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York, Mamdani boldly replied that he would and called Netanyahu a war criminal. Such statements made him not only a well-known figure in his city but also a recognized name worldwide. Although, the position of mayor is relatively local in scope, Mamdani broke all stereotypes. His victory became a symbol of change and empowerment, especially for the Muslim community across the globe.

Another Muslim candidate, Ghazala Hashmi, was elected as Lieutenant Governor. She is the first Muslim lady, elected as the statewide officer in Virginia in the United States. Hashmi began her political career after witnessing the discriminatory treatment of Muslims during Trump’s first term. Like Mamdani, she has been vocal critic of Trump’s administration, particularly its policies on immigration. This experience motivated her to enter politics and represent marginalized communities. Previously, she was elected State Senator from Virginia twice, in 2019 and 2023. Her latest victory is especially remarkable, as Virginia has a documented history of anti-Muslim incidents, including attacks on mosques, targeted killings, physical assaults, and social and political discrimination.

Abdullah Hammoud, another Muslim leader, was elected as Mayor of Dearborn for the second consecutive term, securing 73% of the votes. In 2022, during his first victory, he made history as the youngest and first Muslim American mayor of the city. During his first tenure, Dearborn became the first city in Michigan with its own public health department. Hammoud focused on key areas such as investing in infrastructure including parks and storm water systems reducing taxes, supporting small businesses, and strengthening community programs. His impressive performance and active engagement with the community contributed to his successful re-election. Before becoming mayor, Hammoud was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2017. Dearborn, a city that has faced numerous anti-Muslim attacks since 9/11, saw renewed tension and hostility following the 7th of October 2023, Israel-Hamas conflict. Islamophobia continues to be a persistent issue in many Western societies, and Dearborn has not been exempted from it.

Surprisingly, anti-Muslim sentiment is commonly referred to as Islamophobia. In the aftermath of 9/11, Islamophobia has become a persistent challenge in many Western societies. There has been observed a tremendous increase in hate crimes, discriminatory practices, and heightened government surveillance directed at Muslim communities. According to FBI statistics, hate crimes against Muslims in the United States rose by 1600% immediately after 9/11. Incidents such as targeted killings, bullying, and workplace discrimination became part of everyday life for many Muslims. Even more than two decades later, Muslims continue to face the threat of targeted violence. Since 9/11, Muslims from several majority-Muslim countries were even banned from traveling to the United States, further deepening the sense of marginalization.

Western societies must move beyond associating every Muslim with terrorism and recognize that Islam is a religion of peace. As the Quran states: “If they incline to peace, then incline to it also and trust in Allah.” This verse emphasizes the Islamic principle of pursuing peace whenever the opportunity arises.

Conclusively, the victory of the three Muslim candidates reflects a significant shift in the political dynamics of the United Sates. Each of them made history as the first Muslim elected to their respective positions. Since 9/11, Muslims in U.S. have faced widespread prejudice and discrimination, however 2025 stands out as a year of unexpected progress. Few could have predicted the election of Muslim leaders in a society often perceived as anti-Muslim. This also highlights the transparency and integrity of U.S. voting system. In Western democracies, electoral transparency is a key strength, whereas in many Asian countries, entire terms are often overshadowed by allegations of rigging. Notably, after these elections. The opposition had accepted their defeat graciously without any allegations. This reflects the maturity norm and integrity of the democratic process.